Giving big to fight weeds

On the surface, our canals can look calm and full of life, but appearances can be deceptive. A fast-spreading threat is taking hold across our waterways. Floating pennywort is one of the most aggressive invasive plants on our waterways, and without action it can quickly take over, putting wildlife and navigation of our waterways at risk. That’s why, supporters like you came together to help us fight back. 

Thanks to supporters like you, we were able to raise over £25,000 in donations. This was then doubled to over £50,000 by Big Give, who match funds raised by charities like ours, with the same amount from philanthropists, charitable foundations or corporate donors.  

We were overwhelmed with the remarkable show of support and the success of the campaign, which will give a huge boost to our constant battle against this nuisance weed on the River Soar in the East Midlands. 

Hannah Booth, environment manager, said: “When native wildlife is facing so many threats, this campaign gave people the opportunity to take action and every donation, no matter the size, made a difference. We’re so grateful to everyone who donated during this week as we work to keep local waterways alive.” 

Why is floating pennywort such a problem on our canals? 

It was originally introduced into the United Kingdom in the 1980s as an ornamental plant for garden ponds. But at the time, no-one realised what chaos it would cause once it reached our canals and rivers. 

The problem is that it is incredibly fast growing, expanding by up to 20cm a day, and able to double its weight in as little as three days. This means that without intervention it can spread in large, thick mats over the surface of the water, smothering native plants and depriving the water of both light and oxygen, which endangers the fish living beneath.  

It can also block overflow sluices, cause flooding, and restrict boating by clogging up propellers. Every year, the River Soar in particular, is engulfed by this dense mat of tangly weed, but thanks to supporters like you, we can now take direct, hands-on action to tackle floating pennywort here.  

Thanks to the funds raised, dense mats of floating pennywort can be removed using specialist boats and equipment. Our dedicated team and volunteers will then safely clear smaller fragments from the bankside and from kayaks or canoes, helping to bring light, oxygen and wildlife back into the river. 

Nonetheless, floating pennywort and many other invasive weeds are a growing problem nationwide. In 2025, nearly 4,000 tonnes of invasive weeds were cleared from our canals and rivers, helping to keep waterways open for wildlife, boats and the communities who enjoy them.

One among many

Unfortunately, floating pennywort is not the only plant that threatens our canals and rivers. Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, water fern and New Zealand pigmyweed are all invasive plants that can have a wide range of devastating effects, both on the banks or in the water.  

Between them, they can smother native plants leaving insects like dragonflies and bees with nothing to feed on, cause erosion on banks, damage towpaths, and reduce natural habitat for species like water voles, moorhens and coots.

Keeping canals open, healthy and free from invasive species is a year-round effort. It takes the dedication of our teams, volunteers and supporters to protect these special waterways for wildlife, boaters and everyone who spends time by the water. 

That’s why we’re so incredibly grateful to everyone who supported our Big Give appeal, and to those who continue to help us tackle the danger of invasive weeds. There are simple ways everyone can help. Whether that's joining a local volunteering day, or reporting sightings to our teams, every action can make a difference. 

If you missed our Big Give appeal but would still like to help, there's still time to get involved. Your donation today could help protect canals and rivers across the country, keeping them clear and thriving for the millions of people who visit them each year.